CALIFORNIA    STATE     BOARD     OF     EDUCATION 


A- 

A2 

0  - 
0  = 

\  : 

2  - 
8  : 
0 

9 
c; 

2 


BULLETIN  No.  27 


Parent-Teacher  Associations 


Rnral  and  Village  Schools 


PRF.PABV"  B\ 


LIRA  SAWYER  OAK.  . 

K\t«'ii^liin   Division.  Chico  Stale  Norina     Scho«il 


SiiliiiiitU-u  .')  the 

i^  omniis-.i()nrr  of  Eleineiitar\  S<livx>Is 
of  California 


(AUrORNU  STATE  PRINTINO  Of  ^CK 
SACRA  JfENTO 

1  9  1  X 


JUL  I5i92l 


..rfi  2  9 


i 


it^^tt 


PLEA,*:^:  DO  NOT  REMOVE 
THIS  BOOK  CARD 


AnMLIBRARYq^ 


I  1 


University  Research  Library 


fl 


0  '^ 

INTOODUCTIOxN 


Of  this  bulletin  it  may  be  said  it  carries  to  the  right  people  the  right 
message  at  the  right  time  from  the  right  woman. 

Addressed  to  rural  communities  it  goes  to  the  right  people  because, 
while  so  much  has  been  written  and  published  for  urban  communities 
that  is  suitable  only  for  solution  of  urban  problems  and  can  be  effec- 
tively practiced  only  unxier  urban  conditions,  comparatively  little  has 
been  prepared  for  the  problems  and  conditions  of  rural  life.  Tiiis 
bulletin  is  designed  to  meet  jusB  those  problems  and  conditions  that 
distinguish  rural  from  urban  communities, "and  is  therefore  a  valuable 
contribution  to  a  national  need  for  which  so  few  well-considered  and 
useful  contributions  have  been  made. 

It  carries  the  right  message  because  it  lays  special  stress  upon  the 
importance  of  health  and  the  need  of  improving  rural  conditions  in  the 
direction  of  better  sanitary  customs,  regulations  and  equipment.  It 
will  not  be  easy  to  provide  in  the  country  districts  the  sanitary  plumb- 
ing, draining,  sewerage  and  water  supply-  of  cities ;  neither  is  it  possible 
to  obtain  in  some  rural  communities  the  prompt  attendance,  counsel 
and  supervision  of  doetQrs  and  health  officers.  Nevertheless  much  can 
be  done  and  will  be  done  when  a  majority  of  the  people  of  the  rural 
districts  have  a  clear  understanding  of  the  causes  of  disease  and  of  the 
best  methods  of  preventing  them. 

The  health  of  children  brought  up  in  t.he  open  air  of  the  fields  and 
Avoods  of  the  countrysides  should,  in  the  nature  of  things,  be  better  and 
more  secure  than  that  of  city  children,  but  statistic;?  show  a  contrary 
condition.  It  is  therefore  evident  that  the  benefits  of  open  spaces  and 
healthful  exercise  are  more  than  counterbalanced  by  neglect  of  simple 
principles  of  health  that  science  has  long  since  disco-vered  and  Avhich 
should  be  knowrC  and  heeded  everywhere. 

This  bulletin  by  its  suggestions  of  conferences  on  such  subjects  will 
help  to  that  end  and  serve  not  only  to  brighten  the  minds  but  to 
strengthen  the  <l)odies  through  which  the  mind  has  to  act  in  all  the 
ways  of  life. 

The  messag(iXcomes  from  the  right  woman.  Mrs.  Liira  Sawyer  Oak 
has  learned  the  conditions  and  the  problems  of  rural  communities 
through  the  threefold  experience  of  life,  labor  and  love.  She  has 
lived  in  them,  she  has  labored  in  them,  she  has  loved  them.  Her 
teaching  is  drawn  from  the  experiences  of  an  active  life,  from  tlie 
services  of  arduous  work  faithfully  done,  and  fi-om  a  love  univcisjiky 
comprehensive  in  its  sympathies. 


Slio  sets  t'ortli  11(1  l';ir-()tV  iiU^al  t'oi-  vain  aspiralioii.  Slic  siil)iiiils 
programs  that  i-aii  he  cai-ricd  out  \\\{\\  the  exci-cise  of  swell  talent  and 
energy  and  intclligenee  as  may  he  found  in  any  American  community. 
She  suggests  something  for  various  needs:  for  occasions  of  festival  or 
of  national  observance,  for  conferences  of  serious  discussion,  and  for 
eomnninity  gatherings  for  social  advantage  and  I'ccreative  pleasure. 

The  message  comes  at  the  right  time.  Tlie  mighty  impulses  of 
patriotism  aroused  by  tiie  war  liave  lifted  all  minds  above  little  things 
to  a  comin-ehension  of  the  larger  issues  of  the  time.  There  are  few 
indeed  in  the  United  States  that  do  not  now  live  and  move  and  liave 
their  being  in  the  vast  life  of  the  nation  and  of  liumanity.  In  tiiis 
mood  their  minds  are  readily  receptive  to  new  teachings  and  new 
aspirations.  The  counsels  and  the  suggestions  of  the  bulletin  will 
therefore  appeal  to  a  sentiment  already  formed,  and  all  that  will  be 
needed  will  be  a  leader  in  each  community,  to  make  the  influence  of 
the  message  permanently  useful  in  every  rural  communitj'. 

Margaret  S.  McNaught, 
Commissioner  of  Elementary  Schools. 


PARENT-TEACHER  ASSOCIATION    IN   RURAL  AND 
VILLAGE  SCHOOLS 


FOREWORD 

• 

The  suggestions  lierein  set  forth  are  intended  particularly  for  the 
smaller  rural  and  village  conimvinities  where  it  is  neither  possible  nor 
desirable  to  follow  programs  otitliiied  for  parent-teaeher  associations  in 
larger  towns  and  cities. 

Many  woi-thy  attempts  to  organize  motliers'  eliibs  and  parent-teaeher 
associations  in  the  smaller  communities  have  failed  because  the  leaders 
have  been  city-trained  teachers  whose  attempts  to  fashion  highly 
organized  parent-teacher  associations  after  the  model  of  the  city  clubs 
were  doomed  to  failure  from  the  beginning.  Book  reviews,  "Problems 
of  Juvenile  Delinquency."  ''The  ]\rontessori  Method,"  "Cultivating 
the  Dramatic  Instinct,"  subjects  which  readily  suggest  themselves  to 
the  leaders  of  the  city  clubs  find  no  responsive  interest  from  the  mem- 
bers of  a  rural  organization.  This  lack  of  interest  is  not  due  to  inferior 
intellect  nor  to  indifference  to  the  great  problems  of  the  day,  but  to  the 
fact  that  the  country  mother  is  absorbed  in  other  interests  which  are, 
however,  equally  important  to  child  welfare  and  ecpially  adaptable  to 
the  activities  of  mothers'  clubs  or  parent-teacher  associations. 

The  teacher  who  would  successfully  organize  a  parent-teacher  associa- 
tion should  understand  that  her  first  step  is  to  discover  the  supreme 
worth  in  the  life  and  interests  of  the  people  with  Avhom  she  is 
associated.  Having  recognized  that  she  has  niueh  to  learn  from  them, 
5\nd  having  accepted  them  as  co-workers,  she  is  ready  then  to  consider 
suggestions  for  a  parent-teacher  association.  It  should  be  kept  in 
mind  that  the  association  should  be  as  democratic  as  the  school  itself 
and  its  membership  should  include  representatives  from  all  homes  in 
the  community. 

STEPS  PRELIMINARY  TO  ORGANIZATION 

An  organization  that  is  to  function  in  a  substantial,  vital  way  must 
concern  itself  with  the  substantial,  vital  interests  of  the  comnuinity. 
There  is  no  limit  l)eyond  which  these  may  not  extend  when  the  leaders 
clear  the  way  for  a  normal  development  from  the  simple  state  of  things 
as  they  are  to  the  broader  communistic  and  humanistic  interests. 

Since  the  matter  of  organization  falls  largely  to  the  leadership  of 
the  teacher,  the  suggestions  outlined  herein  will  proceed  on  the  sup- 
position that  she  is  the  initiator  of  th(^  movement  throughout. 


—  6  — 

It"  llu'  teac'luT  is  iiol  certMin  lli;it  llicrt'  is  liUcly  io  he  iinnuHliato 
interest  in  the  formation  of  a  ehih  slie  might  well  postpone  tlie  snjr- 
gestion  nntil  after  tlie  parents,  upon  lier  invitation,  liave  met  at  the 
sehoolhouse  to  discuss  plans  for  an  evening  entertainment  for  the 
henefit  of  the  school.  In  the  early  part  of  October  when  the  school 
work  is  well  under  way  the  parents  might  be  invited  to  meet  at  the 
sehoolhouse  to  plan  for  a  Halloween  entertainment  (as  described  else- 
Avhere  herein).  The  twofold  purpose,  to  provide  entertainment  and  Io 
raise  funds  for  some  i)artieular  school  need  which  the  teacher  will  tact- 
fully point  out,  will  probably  arouse  wide  interest  in  co-operative  plans 
for  the  entertainment. 

When  the  community  has  been  aroused  by  a  successful  social 
gathering  the  time  is  meet  to  suggest  plans  for  an  organization.  The 
teacher  nuiy  then  call  the  parents  and  neighbors  together  and  submit 
to  them  a  plan  for  a  parent-teacher  association.  She  should  have  in 
mind  a  definite  outline  of  work  the  value  and  practicability  of  which 
will  be  apparent  to  all.  The  success  of  the  movement  will  depend  very 
largely  on  the  judgment  and  care  with  which  the  initial  steps  are  taken. 

The  teacher  will,  of  course,  adapt  these  suggestions  to  the  conditions 
of  her  community. 

There  should  be  at  least  one  social  gathering  a  month  which  all 
members  of  the  community  may  attend.  One  purpose  of  the  parent- 
teacher  association  might  be  to  arrange  programs  and  entertainment 
for  these  social  gatherings  and  one  meeting  a  month,  held  preferably 
at  the  sehoolhouse,  might  be  called  regularly  to  perfect  plans  for  the 
community  gatherings. 

j^^(For  suggestions  for  programs  and  entertainment,  see  pages  25 
to  32.) 

Aside  fi'om  these  meetings  there  .should  be  at  least  one  meeting  a 
month,  preferably  at  the  various  homes  at  such  a  time  that  fathers  may 
attend,  for  the  discussion  of  subjects  of  common  interest  concerning 
the  child  and  matters  of  child  nurture.*  In  such  meetings  an  attempt 
should  be  made  to  bring  out  the  talent  of  the  various  members  by 
asking  them  to  contribute  in  whatever  way  each  may  be  especially  able. 

In  order  that  all  business  may  be  efficiently  transacted,  each  meeting 
should  be  opened  with  a  formal  business  meeting  in  whicli  llic  rules  of 
parliamentary  order  are  observed. 

(The  Woman's  Manual  of   Parliamentary  Law,  by   llariictic    K.    STiaduck, 
published  by  Lee  and  Shepard,  Boston,  price  $1.00.) 

In  formulating  plans  for  the  beginning  work  of  a  local  a.ssociation 
the  members  may  well  keep  in  mind  the  following  aims  and  purposes 


•In  rasp  ,all  membf-r.s  can  nrit  fonvenieiitly  entertain,  the  larlies  may  combine  In 
t.'r<iiiiis  of  two,  one  member  to  foniisli  tlic  ii.sc  of  licr  homo,  tin-  other  to  .'fupply  a 
(i{rln  liiri<li   fur  tlie  mc^'tluK  of  wliich   Uicy  arc  liostcsse.*!. 


of  the  California  Congress  of  Mothers  and  Parent-Teacher  Associa- 
tions : 

"To  carry  the  mother-love  and  mother-thought  into  all  that  concerns 
or  touches  childhood  in  home,  school,  church  or  state;  to  raise  the 
standards  of  home  life;  to  develop  wiser,  better  parenthood;  to  bring 
into  closer  relation  the  home  and  the  school  that  parent  and  teacher 
may  co-operate  intelligently  in  the  education  of  the  child,  using  sys- 
tematic earnest  effort  to  this  end  through  the  formation  of  mothers' 
clubs  and  parent-teacher  associations  in  coiniection  witli  public  schools 
and  elsewhere.  • 

"To  give  young  people,  ignorant  of  the  proper  care  and  training  of 
children,  opportunities  to  learn  that  which  will  enable  them  to  better 
perform  the  duties  of  parenthood. 

"To  rouse  the  whole  country  to  a  sense  of  its  duty  and  responsibility 
to  childhood. 

"To  surround  the  childhood  of  the  whole  world  with  that  loving, 
wise  care  in  the  impressionable  years  of  life  that  will  develop  good 
citizens  instead  of  lawbreakers  and  criminals." 

Members  of  local  organizations  will  be  benefited  by  co-operation  with 
the  national  association,  and  may  obtain  helpful  material  in  the  form 
of  bulletins  and  pamphlets  by  applying  to  the  National  Congress  of 
Mothers,  910  Loan  and  Trust  Bldg.,  Washington,- D.  C. 

For  information  concerning  the  California  Congress  of  Mothers  and 
Parent-Teacher  Associations,  consult  the  Year  Book  of  the  Association 
on  file  in  all  county  free  libraries  and  in  the  State  Library  at  Sacra- 
mento. 

The  Congress  of  Mothers  and  Paront-Toacher  Associations  luis 
become  one  of  the  greatest  instruments  for  child  welfare  legislation 
and  administration  in  our  country,  and  every  woman  should  accept 
the  ])rivilege  of  adding  her  iiieiiil)ejsliip  and  her  supixn-f  to  this  great 
association. 

Organization  Meeting 

The  teacher  may  act  as  chairman  at  the  organization  meeting.  After 
asking  some  one  to  serve  as  secretary  to  record  the  proceedings  of  the 
meeting  she  may  submit  the  plans  for  an  organization,  a.sking  for  an 
informal  discussion  by  those  present.  The  chairman  may  then  ask  for 
a  resplution  stating  tlie  pleasure  of  the  nu>eting  in  regard  to  the  forma- 
titm  of  a  permanent  organization.  After  the  resolution  to  form  an 
association  has  been  adopted,  the  following  simple  form  for  a  constitu- 
tion may  be  submitted : 


—  8  — 

SUGGESTED   FORM   OF  CONSTITUTION    FOR    PARENT- TEACH  ER 

ASSOCIATIONS 

Article  I.     Name 
T!»c   uanie  of  tins  organization   shall  be  The   


Akticle  II.     Object 

Its  objocl  shall  Ix'  to  si-ciirc  tlio  co-operation  of  paiviils  and  tcac-iiors  for  the  pur- 
pose of  promotini;  child-welfare  in   home,  sehool  and  community. 

Ahtki.k  111.     Membership 

Any  one  interested  in  the  welfare  of  children  may  become  a  member  by  signing 
(he  constitution  and  paying  semi-annual  dues. 

Article  IV.     Officers 

Section  1.  The  officers  shall  be  a  president,  vice  president,  secretary,  treasurer 
and  historian. 

Sec.  2.     The  president  shall  preside  at  all  meetings  and  shall  appoint  committees. 

Sec.  3.     The  vice  president  shall  preside  in  the  absence  of  the  president. 

Sec.  4.  The  secretary  shall  keep  an  accurate  account  of  the  proceedings  of  each 
meeting;  be  prepared  at  any  meeting  to  refer  to  the  minutes  of  previous  meetings; 
read  communications;  send  out  notices  of  meetings;  furnish  the  names  of  members 
of  committees  to  their  respective  chairmen;  tile  all  important  letters;  keep  the  roll; 
and,  with  the  president,  sign  all  warrants. 

Sec.  5.  The  treasurer  shall  receive  all  money  and  pay  out  the  same  on  order 
of  the  president  and  secretary,  keep  an  account  of  all  receipts  and  disbursements, 
and  render  a  monthly  report. 

Sec.  6.  The  historian  shall  preserve  the  history  of  the  organization,  and  prepare 
an  annual  record,  a  copy  of  which  shall  be  made  for  the  state  historian. 

Article  X.     Election  of  Officer.s 

'I'hc  (iHi<(Ts  (if  this  organization  shall  be  elected  by  ballot  on  the  srcond  l-'riday 
after  the  opening  of  the  school  tcnii  and  shall  assniuc  their  diitii's  at  the  next  un'i-t- 
ing  following  their  election. 

AtnicLE  VI.     Ti:iiM  of  Office 

The  term  <jf  oliice  shall  be  one  year.  No  person  shall  hold  the  same  oHice  for 
more  than   two  consecutive  terms. 

Article  VII.     Dues 

The  dues   of  this  organization   shall   be cents   per  year.        cents  of 

vhicli  shall  be  for  state  and  national  dues. 

.\rticle  VIII.     Qloiuim 

members  shall  constiiute  a  i|iiorum  for  the  I  raiisart  ion  of  business. 


.Vkticle   I.\.     Tim  I.  and  I't.AtE  of  .MLini.Mi 

Tills   iirganizaliDii    shall    meet    limes   a   month,    at    sikIi    linii'    ;mi 

shall  Ik-  agreed  upon  by  a  majority  of  its  members. 


—  9  — 

Article  X.     AMtxuMKM.s. 

Tliis  coiistiiiitioii  may  Ik;  amended  by  a  two-tliirds  vote  of  tlio  members  present 
at  any  regular  meetiu;;.  provided  notice  shall  have  been  j^iven  in  writing  at  the 
l>revious  regular  meeting. 

ORDER  OF  BUSINESS 

Roll  Call. 

Minutes. 

Reports  of  Officers. 

Reports  of  Committees. 

Unfinished  Business. 

New  Business. 

The  chairman  reads  the  proposed  constitution,  section  by  section,  asking  after 
each  section  is  read,  "Are  there  any  amendments  to  this  section?"  If  any  are  pro- 
posed, they  are  voted  on  at  once  but  no  vote  is  taken  on  the  section  as  amended. 
The  constitution  as  amended  is  next  read  before  the  vote  on  adoption  is  taken. 

Permanent  officers  are  then  elected  according  to  the  provisions  made  in  the 
constitution.  When  the  president  is  elected  she  replaces  the  chairman,  and  the 
elected  secretary  in  turn  replaces  the  temporary  secretary.  When  all  are  elected 
the  organization  is  complete. 

Suggestions  for  Programs 

Programs  should  be  short.  One  hour  and  a  half  should  cover  the 
entire  session.  This  gives  the  mothers  time  to  get  home  early  to  pre- 
pare the  evening  meal.  Provision  should  be  made  for  the  care  of  the 
little  children  during  the  meeting.  One  or  two  older  girls  may  be 
ftsked  to  remain  to  amuse  the  little  people  in  an  adjoining  room.  Play- 
things and  games  should  be  provided. 

All  members  should  be  encouraged  to  take  i)art  in  programs  and 
discussions. 

Outside  speakers  may  occasionally  be  invited  to  give  addresses  on 
.subjects  of  interest,  but  the  greater  num])er  of  programs  should  depend 
entirely  on  the  members  of  the  organization. 
/  The  National  Congress  of  Mothers,  910  Washington  Loan  and  Trust 
Building,  Washington,  D.  C,  has  provided  a  list  of  loan  papers  for 
program  use  which  have  been  prepared  by  eminent  educators  and 
leaders  in  child  welfare  work.  These  loan  papers,  a  list  of  which  may 
be  o])tained  upon  application,  are  sent  for  club  use  at  a  charge  of 
20  cents  each  for  three  Aveeks  or  in  sets  of  twelve  at  $2  for  one  year. 
These  papers  may  be  read  hy  various  members  and  made  the  basis  of 
general  study  and  discussion. 

The  Personal  Service  Bureau  of  the  Mothers'  ^Magazine,  Elgin,  111., 
has  prepared  a  list  of  loan  papers  for  the  use  of  mothers'  associations 
which  will  be  found  instructive  and  especially  lielpful  to  clubs  which 
are  unable  to  obtain  sufficient  reference  books.  These  loan  papers 
cover  one  liuiidrcd  subjects  ol"  iutci-cst  and  ai'c  supplied  at  4  cents 
rf-ach.  A  list  of  loan  papers  may  be  obtaincil  I'ret'  upon  apjdicatiou. 
The  bureau  has  the  co-operation  of  prominent  educators  and  otters  free 
information  and  assistance  on  all  )uatters  that  may  come  before 
mothers'  associations. 


—  10  — 

III  the  pn'pai'atioii  ol"  this  bulletin  inuuy  lielpi'iil  .siiggestioiLs  were 
{uiopted  from  the  pamphlets  of  this  bureau. 

PROGRAM  I 
The  Advantage  of  a  Hot  Lunch 

L  Could  it  be  prepared  iii  our  school? 

2.  List  of  dishes  possible  to  prepare.* 

3.  "What  can  each  mother  contribute? 

4.  The  importance  of  the  noon  meal  served  under  sanitary,  orderly 

conditions. 

Refircnci'S. 

U.  S.  Deyailmeut  of  Agriculture,  Farmers'  Bulletiu  No.  712.     (Free.) 
Hot  Lunch  and  Social  Center  Work,  free  bulletin  by  Rural  School  Department, 
State  Normal  School,  Cheney,  Washington. 

PROGRAM  II 

The  Value  of  Play 

1.  What  is  play? 

2.  What  is  the  distinction  between  work  and  play  ? 

3.  What  is  the  ditference  between  rcmiping  and  playing? 

4.  To  what  extent  slioiild   parents  and  teachers  direct  children  in 

their  i)lays? 

5.  What  kind  of  plays  would  you  encourage  for  the  timid  child? 

For  the  boisterous  child? 
n.  Is  play  necessary  to  children  or  is  it  merely  a  pleasurable  pastime? 
7.   What  sliould  be  the  adult  attitude  toward  children's  play? 

Urfrrciuxs. 

"K<lucatiou  b\    I'la.vs  and  (James,"  by  Joliuson,  (i.  K.,  published  by  (Jinn  &  Co., 

I'x.ston.  .$1.10. 
"Thv.  Home  IMaygrouiid,"  by  Lee,  Joseph,  imblished  by  Kussell  Sage  Foundation, 

New  York. 
"(James    for    the    Playground,    Home,    School    and    Gymnasium."    by    Bancroft, 

Jes.sic  H..  i)ublished  by  The  Macmillan  Ck).,  New  York,  .$2.(X). 
"I'lay  and  Recreation  for  the  Oi)en  Country,"  by  Curtis,  H.,  pul)lislii'd  by  (Jinn 

&  Co.,  Boston.  $1.16. 
"I'lay  Life  in  First  Eight  Y^ears,"  by  Palmer,  Luella  A.,  published  by  Ginn  &  Co., 

Boston,  ,$1.20. 

PROGRAM  III 
Nervousness  in  Children 

J.   What  are  some  of  the  chief  causes  of  nervousness  in  cliildren? 

2.  What  effect  has  fear  on  nervous  condition  ? 

3.  What  arc  Ihf  (biiigfrs  in  rri.ohtciiiiiv'  iliildcm? 


•SuRgostions  :   milk,   luiist,  riff,  Honp,  cliocolatf, 


—  n  — 

4.  What  relation  has  fatigue  to  some  forms  of  nervousness? 

5.  To   what   extent   may   nervousness  be   due   to   imagination  ?     To 

imitation  1 

6.  What  special  precautions  should  be  taken  in  eases  of  nervousness  ? 

7.  Should   parents   make   threats  of   punishment?     Threats   of  the 

doctor  ? 

8.  Is  a  dread  of  the  dark  natural   to  children?     Plow  may  it  be 

overcome  ? 

References. 

"Health    Index    of   Children,"    ],y    Iloag,    E.    B.,    published    hy    Whitaker   &    Ray 

SO  cents. 
"Introduction   to  Child   Study,"  hy  Dmmniond.  W.  B.,  Lonjjmans    Green  &  Co 

•1(1.70.  .  ,  ., 

"Power  Thru  Repose,"  by  Cull,  A.  I'.,  Little,  Brown  &  Co.,  Boston,  .$1.0(\ 

PROGRAM  IV 
Physical  Development 

1.  What  arc  the  advantages  of  school  athletics? 

2.  What  kind  of  (on tests  are  desirable?     What  kind  undesirable? 

3.  What  kind  of  work  is  harmful  to  the  growing  child? 

4.  The  dangers  of  overworking  in  childhood. 

5.  The  need  for  child  labor  laws  to  apply  to  country  children  as  well 

as  to  city  children. 

6.  What  playground   activities  tend   to   all-around   bodily   develop- 

ment ? 

7.  What  apparatus  do  we  need  for  our  pla.vground? 

8.  How  can  we  obtain  it? 

References. 

"Manual    in    Physical    Education."    by    Iletherinston,    Clarke    W..    free    bulletin 

published  by  State  Board  of  Education.  Sacramento,  Cal. 
"Physical  Training  for  the  Elementary  Schools"  by  Clark.  Lydia  A.,  published  by 

Sanborn  Co..  Boston.  ,$1.60. 
'Physical   Education  Complete,   for   Schools  and   Playground"  by   Kaul,   Lavinia, 

published   by   News   Publishing  Co.,    Sacramento,  .$2.00. 
"Playground  Apparatus   for  Rural   Schools."   free  bulletin.    State   Normal   School. 

Fresno,  Cal. 

PROGRAM  V 
The  Clothing  of  Children 

1.  Is  it  possible  lo  clothe  the  child  in  garments  that  do  not  bind  or 

interfere  with  free  bodily  movements? 

2.  What  are  the  dangerous  effects  of  clothing  children  in  ill-fitting 

garments  ? 
8.  Are  corsets  harmful  to  growing  girls? 


—  12  — 

4.  ^Vhat  is  tlu'  offec-t  of  hi.ij:h-h(.'i'led  shoes  on  the  ahdomiual  organs? 

5.  AVhat  shoes  are  reeominended  by  specialists  to  insure  the  proper 

development  of  the  child's  foot? 
(\  Do  the  fashion  plates  affect  posture  habits  of  our  girls? 

References. 

"Exercises   for   Women,"    liy    lioltdii,    Florcatv,    i)ul)lislie(l    l>.v    l^imk   &    Wasnalls, 

Now  York,  $1.00. 
■Thildron's    Series    Buliotins,"    free,    U.    S.    Dept.    of   Labor,    ("liiklroii's    Bureau, 

Washiniiton,  D.  C. 
Aini'ric.in   Posture  lA^asiie's  bulletins,  free,  10  Church  St.,  Ni'w  York. 

PROGRAM  VI 
The  Junior  Red  Cross 

1.  What  is  the  nature  of  the  Junior  Red  Cro.ss  organization? 

2.  What  is  the  educational  value  of  Junior  Red  Cross  work?     The 

economic  value?     The  moral  value? 
8.  Why  is  it  important  that  the  children  be  inspired  with  the  ideal 

of  service — the  true  American  ideal? 
4.  Tlie  importance  of  giving  the  children  opportunities  for  public 

service. 

0.  The  importance  of  developing  the  international  outlook  through 

unselfish  service  for  children  of  other  nations, 
fi.   Ilnw  can  we  develop  this  work  in  our  school? 

References. 

"A  Program  of  Junior  lied  Cross  Service,"  published  l).v  the  American  Red  Cross, 

^Vashiugtou,  D.  C. 
Tree  pamphlets  and  bulletins,  National  Director  of  .Junior  Membership,  American 

lied  Cross,  Washington,  D.  C. 

PROGRAM  VII 
Patriotism  and  the  Meaning  of  "Americanism." 

"With  malige  toward  none;  with  charity  for  all;  with  firmness  in  the  right,  as 
God  gives  us  to  see  the  right,  let  us  strive  on  to  fini.sh  the  work  we  are  in." — 
Ahralunn  Lincoln. 

1.  Tn  our  jiomes  and  in  our  schools,  how  can  we  lead  our  children  to 

an  al)iding  love  and  loyalty  for  our  country  and  the  ideals  for 
which  it  stands? 

2.  How  can  they  liest  l)e  trained  for  wor-Diy  citi/.cnshii)  in  this  great 

democracy  ? 
8.  How  can  we  inspire  tlicm   to  become  ci'usaders  for  the  cau.sc  of 

"liberty  and  justice  for  all?" 
4.  Ts  our  duty  completed  if  we  teach  the  children  to  love  and  respect 

the  Hag  without  leading  them  to  an  under.standing  of  America's 


—  13  — 

ideals  as  expressed  by  Jefferson,  Lincolu,  AVoodrow  AVilson  and 
her  other  great  spokesmen? 

5.  How  can  our  patriotism  l)t'st  l)e  cxprcssod? 

6.  How  can  we  as  a  community  conform  more  closely  to  the  prin- 

ciples of  democracy  ? 

References. 

"What  to  do  for  Uncle  Sam."  by  Bailoy.  Carolyn  Sherwin,  published  by  Flanagan 

&  Co.,  Chicago,  75  cents. 
"A  Course  in  Citizenship,"  by  Cabot,  Andrews,  Hill  and  MeSkimmon.  published 

by  Houghton  Mifflin  Co.,  lioston,  $1.25. 

PROGRAM  VIII 
The  Teaching  of  Manners 

1.  What  is  the  value  of  training  in  ''manners"? 

2.  What   undesirable    results   may   follow   the    teaching   of   formal 

manners  which  lack  the  spirit  of  kindness  and  depend  on  insin- 
cere behavior? 

3.  Can  we  expect  politeness  from  children  if  we  extend  discourteous 

treatment  to  them? 

4.  What  are  the  best  methods  of  teaching  good  manners  in  the  home? 

In  the  school? 

References. 

"Boys,  Girls  and  Manners,"  by  Florence  Howe  Hall,  published  by  the  Page  Co.. 

53  Beacon  street,  Boston.  $1.35. 
U.  S.  Bulletin,  1017,  No.  54,  "Training  in  Courtesy,"  by  Margaret  S.  McNaught, 

U.  S.  Bureau  of  Education.  Washington.  D.  C. 
"Mental  Training  for  Children,"  Children's  Year  Headquarters,  323  Haight  street, 

San  Francisco.     (Free.) 
"The  Goop   Series"    (humorous),   by   Gellet   Burgess,   published   by   Frederick   A. 

Stokes  Co.,  New  York. 

PROGRAM  IX 
The  Physical  Health  of  Children 

"The  Ladies'  Home  Journal."  "Good  Housekeeping."  "The 
Mother's  Magazine."  the  "Woman's  Homo  Companion."  and  many  of 
the  leading  women's  magazines  supply  valnal)le  material  for  study. 
Free  bulletins  on  the  care  of  children  may  be  secured  upon  application 
to  Miss  Jidia  Lathrop,  Children's  Bureau.  Department  of  Labor, 
Washington,  D.  C.  A  free  bulletin  prepared  by  Dr.  T.  A.  Wood,  of 
the  Committee  on  Health  Problems  of  the  National  Council  of  Educa- 
tion, 525  W.  120th  St..  New  York  City,  contains  helpful  suggestions. 
All  schools  should  receive  the  California  State  Board  of  Health  Bulle- 
tins.    Address :  State  Board  of  Health,  Sacramento. 


—  14  — 

After  collecting  in;itt'ii;il  fi-dni  many  sonrccs  tlic  leader  of  the  dis- 
cussion may  select  the  topirs  known  to  l)e  of  s]>ocinl  interest  and  value 
to  the  club. 

1.  Proper  feeding  of  children. 

2.  The  care  of  the  body. 

3.  The  importance  of  sitting  and  walking  correctly. 

4.  How  may  eyestrain  be  prevented? 

'    5.  Why  are  rapidly  growing  children  generally  lazy? 

6.  The  importance  of  healthful  sleeping  habits. 

7.  How  many  hours  of  sleep  are  required  at  varions  ages? 

8.  The  importance  of  bodily  cleanliness. 

9.  How  may  we  obtain  the  services  of  a  visiting  nurse? 

10.  Adenoids  and  enlarged  tonsils. 

11.  The  care  of  the  teeth. 

References. 

"The  Care  of  the  Baby,"  by  (Jrilliili.  .)<>liii  P..  published  l)y  W.  !».  Saiindoi-s  Co., 
PhiladoIi)hia,  $1.50. 

"Tli<>  ("are  and  Feodiug  of  Children,"  by  Holt,  Ij.  lOmmelt,  publislio<l  by  D.  Apple- 
ton  &  Co.,  Chicago,  75  cents. 

"The  Training  of  the  Human  Plant,"  by  Burbank.  Luther,  published  by  Century 
Publishing  Co.,  New  York,  (iO  cents. 

Note. — Write  to  State  Board  of  Health.  Sacramento,  for  information  concerning: 
tiie   free  services  of  a  visiting  nurse. 

PROGRAM  X 

Music 

1.  ITow  may  good  mu.sical  taste  be  cultivated  in  children  through  the 

school  and  home  singing  and  the  use  of  the  phonograph? 

2.  Does  "taking  music  lessons"  always  insure  to  the  child  an  appre- 

ciation of  music? 
n.  TTow  .soon  in  his  life  may  a  child  be  lanLrht  an  ni))>r('ciation  for 

good  music? 
4.  At  what  age  may  music  lessons  l)e  begun  ? 

Note. — Tliese  references  are  not  intended  to  aid  in  the  teaching  of  nuislc  technique. 
They  are  for  tlie  use  of  parents  and  teachers  who  lack  musical  training,  but  who 
can,  nevertheless,  cultivate  in  the  children  a  love  and  appreciation  for  good  music 
through  the  use  of  selected  phonograph  music.  Eacli  of  the  first  three  references 
mentioned  m.ny  be  obtained  free. 

References. 

"Music  Moods."  by  Mohlcr,  Louis,  an  educational  bullelin.  published  by  the 
Columbia  Graphophone  Company,  New  York  City. 

"The  Victor  in  Rural   Scliools,"  published  by  Victor  Company,  Camden,  N.  J. 

"A  New  List  of  Records  for  the  Homo.  Kindergarten  and  School,"  published  by 
Victor  Company. 

"What  We  Hear  in  Music,"  B''aulkner,  published  by  Victor  Company. 

"The  Pipes  of  Pan,"  booklet  of  children's  stories  to  be  illustrated  Ity  records,  pub- 
lished by  Victor  Company,  price  o.')  cents. 


15  — 


PROGRAM  XI 
The  Social  Needs  of  Young  People 

1.  Why  is  the  social  life  of  young  people  important? 

2.  Should  adults  be  in  sympathy  wdth  children's  social  pleasures? 

3.  How  can  Ave  more  fully  meet  the  social  needs  of  the  young  people 

in  our  community? 

4.  To  Avhat  extent  should  direction  or  oversight  be  exercised  in  the 

association  of  boys  and  girls? 

References. 

"The  American  Country  Girl,"  by  Crow,  Martha  Foote,   published  by  Frederick 

Stokes  Co.,  New  York,  $1.50. 
"Country  Life  and  the  Country   School,"   by   Carney,   Mable,  published   by  Row, 

Peterson  &  Co..  Chicago,  $1.2o. 
"Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining,"  by  Liuscott,  Hilda  B..  published  by  Jacobs  &  Co.. 

Philadelphia,  50  cents. 
"Neighborhood   Entertainments,"   bv   Sterns,    Renee   B.,    Sturgis   «&   Walton.   New 

York,  $1.00. 

PROGRAM  XII 
Habits  of  Thrift 

1.  How    may    the    children    be    given    experience    in    the    judicious 

expenditure  of  money? 

2.  How  may  they  learn  the  value  of  household  economy? 

3.  What  is  the  value  in  giving  the  children  individual  allowances? 

4.  AVhat  does  it  mean  to  a  child  to  earn  the  money  he  gives  to  Sunday 

School,  or  which  he  invests  in  Thrift  or  War  Savings  Stamps  ? 

5.  Is  it  desirable  for  children  Avhose  parents  can  supply  every  need 

to  engage  in  work  to  make  moncA^? 

6.  The  importance  of  the  Thrift  and  War  Savings  Stamp  movement 

in  training  children  in  hal)its  of  thrift. 

Refcrciwcs. 

Home    Training    Bulletins    Numbers   9    and    7,    Wm.    A.    McKeever,    Manhattan. 

Kansas,  price  2  cents  each  ;  samples  1  cent  in  quantities  of  ten  or  more. 
"The  Teaching  of  Thrift,"  bulletin  by  H.  R.  Bonner,  published  by  State  Superin- 

ti>ndent  of  Schools,  AVcst  Virginia. 
"The  Use  of  Money,"  by  Kirkpalriik.  Edwiu  .V..  i)ublisliod  by  Bobbs-Merrill  Co., 

Indianapolis,  $1.00. 
"The  Chikl  IIuusekeei>er."  by  Colson  and   CliiUendcn,  piiblisln'd  by  A.   S.   Barnes 

&  Co.,  New  York,  $1.00. 

PROGRAM  XIII 
The  Home  Garden 

1.  What  is  the  rchition  of  gardening  to  nature  study? 

2.  HoAV  does  it  benefit  Ihe  cliihl  to  work  Avith  the  soil  and  growing 

plants? 


—  16  — 

3.  In   what   way   does   a   child's   garden   help   him  to  work  out  his 

individuality  ? 

4.  AVhat  is  the  advantaiie  of  allotting  each  ehild  a  separate  garden 

spot  and  letting  him  choose  his  own  crop? 

5.  Is  it  true  that  the  earth  and  grass  possess  health-giving  and  nerve- 

tonic  properties? 
(i.   How  may  the  gai-dcii  ligurc  in  llie  leaching  ol"  thrift? 

'■I'rinciplos  of  Auriciilliiic  Tlini  tlie  Sdioul  iiiid  Ihunc  (Janloii,"  l)y  Stobbiiis,  ('.  A., 
published  by  The  Maemilhiu  Co.,  Now  York,  .$1.(XK 

"Children's  Gardens  for  Pleasure,  Health  and  Education,"  by  Pareous,  II.,  pub- 
lished by  Sturgis  &  Walton,  New  York,  $1.00. 

Bulletins  on  home  and  school  gardens,  U.  S.  Department  of  Interior,  Washing- 
ton, D.  C. 

PROGRAM  XIV 

Pure  Foods  and  Pure  Milk 

The  Good  Housekeeping  jMagazine,  through  its  Pure  Food  depart- 
ment, conducted  by  Dr.  Wiley,  will  supply  valuable  material  on  this 
subject. 

1.  Is  candy  good  for  children?     If  so,  what  kinds,  how  nnich.  and 

when  should  it  be  eaten? 

2.  What  guarantee  have  we  that  the  food  we  are  using  in  California 

(sugar,  flour,  milk,  canned  goods,  extracts)  are  a«  represented? 

3.  What  manufactured  foods  have  been  tested  and  found  i)ure? 
•4.  What  are  the  laws  of  dairy  inspection  in  California? 

5.  How  may  poisons  be  generated  in  milk? 

6.  What   is   the  best   and   simplest  method   of   sterilizing   milk   and 

keeping  it  sterile? 

References. 

"Care  of  Milk  and  Its  Use  in  the  Home,"  U.  S.  iH'iiartuiont  of  Agriculture, 
Bulletin  No.  413. 

rrimiples  of  Nutrition  and  Nutritivt;  Value  of  Food."  Atwood,  U.  S.  Depart- 
ment of  Agriculturi'.  Fanners'  Bulletin  No.  142  California  State  Board  of 
Health  Bulletins. 

PROGRAM  XV 
The  Motion  Picture  and  Stereopticon  Lantern 

1.  Kducational  value  of  the  moving  picture. 

2.  To  what  extent  is  it  now  in  the  hands  of  educators? 

3.  I'se.s  of  a  stereopticon  lantern. 

4.  Would  it  be  possible  to  have  a  hinter-n  in  onr  school? 
.").    How   muili   would   it   cost? 


—  17  — 

References. 

"Pui-pose  and  Progress  of  Visual   Instruction,"'   Badger  Stereopticon  and  Picture 
Machine  Co.,  La  Crosse,  Wisconsin. 

The  University  of  California,  through  its  Bureau  of  Visual  Educa- 
tion, lends  many  sets  of  slides  entirely  free  to  schools.  Others  are 
loaned  for  a  small  fee.     The  school  pays  the  express  charges. 

The  State  Normal  School  at  Chico.  through  its  Extension  Division, 
also  lends  slides  of  educational  interest  to  schools  at  no  expense  to  the 
borrower  except  the  express  charges.  A  list  of  these  slides  w  ill  he  sent 
upon  application. 

The  Department  of  the  Interior,  through  the  Bureau  of  Education, 
has  lantern  slides  on  several  phases  of  education  which  are  loaned  to 
school  authorities  at  no  expense  other  than  expressage  from  Washing- 
ton and  return.  p]ach  set  contains  52  jincolored  slides  and  is  accom- 
panied by  an  outline  lecture  and  printed  material  to  be  used  by  the 
person  giving  the  lecture.     The  sets  are  on  the  following  subjects : 

The  Consolidated  Riiral  School  and  Public  Transportation. 
Domestic  Science. 
Urban  School  Gardening. 
Kindergartens  and  Kindei-garten  Woi-k. 

The  Teaching  of  English  to  Native  Illiterates  and  to  Immigrants. 
llural  School  Buildings  and  Grounds. 

Special  Activities  in  the  Rural  Schools  (Industrial  Work.  Agricul- 
ture, Music,  etc.). 

Application  for  the  use  of  any  of  these  sets  sliould  l)e  made  to  the 
Commissioner  of  Education.  Washington,  D.  C. 

PROGRAM  XVI 
Home  Work 

1.  Under  what  conditions  should  children  be  rtMiuircd  lo  study  .school 

lessons  at  home  ? 

2.  To  what  extent  should  parents  assist  children  in  h(»me  duties? 

3.  Is  home  credit  work  a  substitute  for  training  in  school?     Can  it 

be  utilized  as  supjdementary  to  school  work?  * 

4.  AVhat  sort  of  recoi-d  cai-ds  will  take  a  minimum  of  l>oth  i)arent.s' 

and  teachei's'  time  for  supervision  .' 

References. 

"School  Credit  for  Home  Work."  I.y  Aldcinian.  Lewis  K..  published  l>v  Houiriiton 
Mifflin  Co.,  Boston,  .$1.00. 


—  18  — 

PROGRAM  XVII 
Children's  Pets 

1.  Have  they  au  educational  value? 

2.  "What  pets  are  desirable? 

3.  What  is  the  value  to  children  of  studying  birds  and  animals  in 

their  native  environment? 

4.  Should  children  bo  permitted  to  confine  Avild  animals? 

5.  AVhat  lessons  do  children  learn  from  pets? 

licfiri'iiccs. 

"The   Pet   Book,"    by    Comstock.    Anna,    imblishod    by    Comstock   I'ublishiug   Co., 

Ithaca,  New  York.  $2.00. 
"Methods  of  Attracting  Birds."   by   Trafton,   Gilbert   II.,   ijublished  by  Houghton 

Mifflin  Co.,  Boston,  $1.2.">. 
"Our  Home   Pets,"  by   Miller,   O.   T..   pulilislied   by   Harper  &   Bros.,   New   York. 

.51.2.J. 

PROGRAM  XVIII 
Pictures  for  the  Home  and  School 

"Beautiful  art  can  only  be  oroduced  by  peoole  who  have  beautiful  things  around 
them  and  leisure  to  look  at  them." — -John  Ruskin. 

By  selecting  from  the  eatalogue  of  the  Perry  Picture  C'om])auy, 
jNIalden,  Mass.,  the  teaelier  may  obtain  a  number  of  prints  of  famous 
pictures  at  1  cent  each.  A  profitable  afternoon  might  be  spent  in  the 
consideration  of  pictures  suitable  for  the  home  and  school.  Sepia 
enlargements  may  be  obtained  of  these  prints  at  a  very  nominal  price 
and  when  suitably  framed  they  make  very  attractive  schoolroom 
pictures. 

1.  Should  the  children  be  consulted  in  the  selection  of  a  school  or 

home  picture? 

2.  What  kind  of  pictures  do  children  prefer? 

3.  To  uhat  extent  should  they  be  indulged  in  their  preference  for 

pictures  of  kittens  to  pictures  of  the  Pilgrim  Fathers? 

4.  AVliat  kind  of  pictures  are  hanging  in  the  children's  room  at  home? 

5.  Were  we,  as  children,  ever  irritated  by  pictures  we  disliked? 

6.  To  what  extent  may  pictures  react  on  the  imagination  and  ideals 

(jf  children  ? 

7.  What  inHuencc  may   the   picture  of  Sir  Galaiiad  or  Hoffman's 

l)icture  of  Christ  in  the  Temple,  for  example,  have  over  the  older 
boys  ? 

8.  In  our  school  how  many  i)ictures  may  be  hung,  consistent  with 


good  taste? 


References. 


\  Child's  Cuid<-   In   I'ii-luns."  by  CaHin,  C.  imblislied  by  P>akor  &  Taylor,   X.\v 
York,  $1.25. 


—  19  — 

# 

PROGRAM  XIX 
Obedience  From  Children 

1.  Why  is  habitual  obedience  usually  lacking  in  the  child  who  has 

decision  of  character? 

2.  Why  is  it,  or  is  it  not.  reasonable  to  think  that  little  children 

should  not  be  allowed  to  govern  themselves? 

3.  Should  a  mother  demand  obedience  from  a  child  on  the  principle 

that  "a  child  should  always  obey  its  mother?" 

4.  If,  after  asking  her  child  to  do  something,  the  mother  found  her- 

self in  the  wrong,   shovild  she,   or  should  she  not,   persist  in 
being  obej^ed? 

5.  What  effect  is  a  command,  issued  in  irritation  or  anger,  likely  to 

have  on  the  child? 

6.  How    may    tlie    mother's    voice    tend    to    influence    the    child's 

behavior  ? 

7.  Is  spanking  or    coercion    the    best    way    of   training    a    child    to 

obedience  ? 

8.  The  difference  between  a  broken  will  and  a  controlled  will. 

'eferenoes. 

"Mcutal  Tiaiuiuj^  for  Cliildieu,"  Children's  Year  Heailtiuartcrs,  3lio  llaiglit  street, 

Sau  Francisco.     Free. 
"As  the  Twig  Is  Bent,"  by  Chenery,  Susan,  publislied  by  Houghton  MifHin  Co., 

Boston,  $1.00. 
"Studies  in  Childhood,"  by  Sulley. 
"The  Normal  Child  and  Primary  Education,"  by  Gesell  and  Gesell,  published  by 

Ginn  &  Co.,  Boston,  $1.50. 

PROGRAM  XX 
Beautification  of  School  Grounds 

1.  Does  our  school  ground  need  clearing  or  leveling? 

2.  Can  this  be  done  by  volunteer  service  of  the  men  of  the  com- 

munity ? 

3.  Whflt  arrangements  can  we  make  for  a  community  gathering  to 

have  this  work  done?     (Suggestions  to  follow.) 

4.  Where  should  walks  be  laid?     Of  what  made? 

5.  What  trees  should  we  have  and  how  and  where  sliould  tliey  be 

located? 

6.  What    vines    are    best    suited    for    ornamental    purposes    on    the 

building? 

7.  What  native   shrubs,   flowers   and   vines  might  be   transplanted 

without  expense  to  beautify  our  grounds? 

8.  AVhere  and  when  should  they  be  planted? 

^.  What  plan  can  we  work  ont  for  the  caiy  of  our  trees,  especially 
during  the  siunmer  months? 


—  20  — 


Refaciiccs. 


"Among  Country  Schools,"  l*y  Koru,  O.  J.,  published  by  Ginn  &  Co..  Boston,  $1.50. 
••Landscape  luiproveuieut  of  Rural  School  Grounds,"  by  Gregg,  J.  W. 
State  Bulletin  issued  by  State  Commissioner  of  Elementary  Schools,  Sacraniento, 
Cal.     (Free.) 


PROGRAM  XXI 
Vacation 

1.  Is  "Jill  |)l;iy"'  ;iiiy  bcttei-  than  "all  work"? 

2.  How    may  the  vacation  be  directed  to  yield  returns  in  character 

as  well  as  in  money? 
:l  AVliat  responsibilities  may  the  girls  assume  in  the  home  which  will 
be  not  only  expedient  but  educational  as  well  ? 

4.  IIow  may  we  provide  against  the  habits  of  laziness  and  discontent 

which  the  long  period  o'f  idleness  often  brings  to  the  country 
boy  and  girl  ? 

5.  To  what  extent  shall  we  consult  the  boy  and  the  girl  concerning 

the  kind  of  vacation,  recreation  and  work? 

Rcfvnncts. 

"Home,    School    and   Vacation."   by   Allen,   A.    W.,    lloiiglitun   MlHlin   Co..   Boston, 

ifl.L'o. 
Home  Training  Bulletins,  Numbers  2,  3,  4,  5,  0,  T,  S.     Mr.  A.  McKeever,  Lawrence, 

Kansas.     (Price  2  cents  each.) 

PROGRAM  XXII 
Sex  Hygiene 

Undoubtedly  there  has  been  too  much  dodging  of  this  (juestion,  but 
it  is  one  which  it  is  better  to  dodge  than  to  bungle. 

Such  questions  as  the  following  may  be  profitably  discussed  under 
the  leadership  of  a  mature  w^oman,  w'ell  informed  on  the  sexual  life  of 
the  child  and  the  dangers  of  indiscriminate  treatment  of  the  subject: 

1.  How  shall  the  children's  questions  be  answered? 

2.  The  "stork  myth"  and  other  myths. 

■  K  How  may  habits  of  purity  in  thought  and  action  In-  insured  l)y 
maintaining  the  confidence  of  the  children  and  siiper\isiiig 
their  relations  to  each  otlier? 

4.  How  can   we  safeguard   our  hoys  in   their  association   with  older- 

boys  and  with  men  ? 

5.  Will   not   training   in    habits  of   i)ersonal   cleanliness   be   a   more 

effective  guard  against  the  innocent  contraction  of  venereal 
disease  by  children  than  a  detailed  discussion  of  the  "social 
evil"? 


—  21  — 

6.  Do  we  believe  with  G.  Stanley  Hall  that  the  following  ideals 
become  the  most  effective  of  all  checks  and  tend,  in  themselves, 
to  sublimate,  spiritualize  and  normalize  sex  ? 

"The  ideals  of  body  keeping,  physical  perfection  and  .strength, 
agility,  skill,  ))eauty,  the  full  dcvelopmont  of  the  shoulders,  chest,  arms, 
loins,  legs,  a  ruddy  cheek,  clear  eye,  love  of  exercise,  of  cold  water  and 
cleanliness,  of  nature  afield,  of  contest  and  competition,  involving 
victory  and  defeat,  the  legitimate  ambition  of  being  a  splendid  animal, 
with  strong  and  flexible  voice,  defiance  of  wind  and  weather,  a  normal 
appetite  and  sane,  regular  sleeping  habits,  hearty,  free  open  manners, 
a  laudable  passion  to  excel,  a  love  of  rhythmical  movements— those  who 
know,  feel  and  do  these  things  are  developing  probably  the  most  effec- 
tive of  all  checks  against  every  kind  of  sexual  aberration. 

''It  is  incalculably  harder  to  develop  these  things  than  it  is  to  give  a 
few  lectures  on  sex  dangers,  but  it  is  as  much  more  effective  as  it  is 
harder. ' ' 

References. 

"Tho  Renewal  of  Life."  liy  .Aloilcy,  Margaret  W.,  published  by  IMcC'lurg  Pub- 
lishing Co.,  Chicago,  $1.25. 

"The  Song  of  Life,"  by  Morley,  Margaret  W.,  published  by  McClurg  Publishin- 
Co.,  Chicago,  $1.25. 

"For  Girls  and  the  Mothers  of  Girls,"  by  Hood,  Mary,  published  by  Bobbs-Merrill 
Co.,  Indianapolis,  $1.00. 

"The  Next  Generation,"  by  Jewett,  published  by  Ginn  &  Co.,  Boston,  75  cents. 

PROGRAM  XXIII 
The  Children's  Reading 

1.  What  kind  of  books  are  usually  most  interesting  to  boys  and  to 

girls.  (1)  Age  six  to  twelve,  (2)  age  twelve  to  eighteen? 
(Suggestion:  Valuable  help  may  be  obtained  by  consulting  the 
county  librarian.) 

2.  Discussions  of  children's  periodicals. 

3.  Do  "book  people"  luivc  as  strong  an  influence  on  boys  and  girls 

as  real  people? 

4.  Effect  of  reading  upon  thought  and  diaractcr. 

5.  How  can  we  seeurc  sufificicnt  desirable  reading  for  our  childi-cn  .' 

6.  The  advantages  of  the  county  library  system.* 

7.  Should  the  "funny  paper"  be  read  by  children? 

8.  AVhat  might  be  done  to  encourage  a  better  class  of  Sunday  supple- 

ment reading  for  children? 


•In  counties  wlicro  tlie  county  library  system  has  not  yot  been  iiitiodueed  iiifur- 
mation  concer"'Vg-  tlii.s  e.xcollent  sy.stcni  of  library  service  mav  be  obtained  by 
writmg  to  Seliool  Library  OrRanizer,  State  Library.   Sacramento      ' 


—  22  — 

References. 

"The  Children's  Readiuj;."  by  Ulcott,  Frances  J.,  publislied  by  Iloughtou  Mifflin 

Co.,  Boston,  $1.25. 
"How  to  Tell  Stories  to  Children,"  liy  Bryant.  Sarah  Cone,  published  by  Houghton 

Mifflin  Co..  Boston.  Sl.OO. 


PROGRAM  XXIV 
School  and  Home  Sanitation 

1.  AVliat  i.s  the  teacher's  duty  iu  regard  to  sending  children  home 

upon  tirst  signs  of  eontagions  disease*? 

2.  "Wliat  are  the  diseases  highly  contagions  to  children   and  what 

their  symptoms? 

3.  The  spread  of  disease  through  the  use  of  common  pencils,  common 

towels  and  the  uncovered  pail  and  dipper. 

4.  The  importance  of  training  children  to  keep  their  hands  out  of 

their  mouths. 

5.  How  often  should  the  individual  drinking  cui)s  be  washed  in  hot 

w^ater  ? 
G.  Has  our  school  adequate  facilities  for  washing  of  this  kind? 

7.  Is  the  janitor  e(iuipment  such  that  the  sweeping  and  diLsting  may 

be  "dustless"? 

8.  How  often  should  the  school  desks  be  wa.shed? 

9.  The  importance  of  wire  screens  in  ventilator  openings  of  the 

outhouses. 

10.  Is  the  condition  of  the  outhouses  entirely  in  accordance  with  the 

laws  of  sanitation  1 

11.  How  may  this   district  obtain  the  services  of  a  visiting  school 

nurse  ? 

12.  Why  should  clothing  worn  next  to  the  skin  be  changed  frequently? 

Itvfcrtnccs. 

Public  Health  Bulletins,  issued  by  State  Board  of  Health,  Sacramento. 

Free  bulletins  by  Metropolitan  Life  Insurance  Company,  New  York. 

"Disposal  of  Sewage  in  Rural  School  Districts,"  State  Board  of  Education,  Sacra- 
mento.    (Free.) 

"Health  Essentials  for  Rural  School  Children,"  free  bulletin  of  Council  of  Health 
and  Public  Instruction  of  the  American  Medical  Association,  525  W.  120th 
strei'l.  New  York  City. 

"Hyy;it'no  of  (lie  School  Child,"  b\-  Trrman,  I^cwis  M.,  ijiihlisiu'd  by  Houghton 
Mifflin  (V...  Boston,  .$1.(35. 

"Primer  of  Tuberculosis,"  State  Board  of  Health,  Sacramento.      (Free.) 

PROGRAM  XXV 
Feeding  the  Family 

].  How  may   wc  hi-lp  to  lower  the  "high  cost  of  living"  V»y  more 
systematic  jilanning  and  closer  economy? 


—  23  — 

2.  Canning  and  drying  vegetables  and  fruits  for  winter  use.     (Ex- 

change of  reeipas.) 

3.  Simple,  wholesome  dishes  that  are  easily  prepared.     (Exchange  of 

recipes. ) 

4.  What  foods  are  cheapest  in  view  of  nourishment  furnished? 

5.  What  foods  might  l)e  eliminated  with  benefit  to  health  ? 

6.  What  foods  may  be  substituted  for  meats? 

7.  Is   it  possible   to   destroy   the   nutritive   value   of   food   by   poor 

cooking  ? 

References. 

Free  bulletins,  United  Slates  Food  Administration,  Wasliin.uton.  I).  (". 

"Meals  for  Five  or  Six  Dollars  a  Week,"  by  .Josephine  \j.  Bessems,  [)ul)lislied  hy 
Mothers'  Magazine,  Elgin,  Illinois.      (A  pamphlet,  25  cents.) 

"Elements  of  Theory  and  Practice  of  Cookery,"  by  Williams  and  Fisher,  pub- 
lished by  The  Macmillan  Co.,  New  York,  .$1.00. 

"The  Cost  of  Food,"  by  Richards,  E.  H.,  published  I)v  .Tohn  Wilev  &  Sons  New 
York,  $1.00. 

"Feeding  the  Family."  by  Rose,  M.  S.,  pul)lislie<l  bv  The  >racminan  Co  New 
York,  .$LMO. 

PROGRAM  XXVI 
Standardizing  the  School 

Several  counties  of  the  state  have  adopted  a  set  of  standards  for 
their  one-room  and  two-room  rural  schools.  A  very  worthy  purpose 
of  a  parent-teacher  association  would  be  to  hasten  the  day  when  its 
school  might  be  classed  as  "Standard"  among  those  of  the  county. 

In  those  counties  where  such  a  standard  has  not  been  fixed,  the 
schools  may  profit  immeasurably  by  individually  scoring  and  endeavor- 
ing to  raise  the  standards  to  a  certain  definite  requirement. 

The  points  on  the  score  card  presented  herewith  add  to  100  per  cent. 
The  standing  of  any  school  may  be  computed  by  checking  off  and 
adding  up  its  points  of  credit  according  to  this  card. 

A  STANDARD  SCHOOL  SCORE  CARD 
General    Administration  [15] 

Flag __     o 

Must  be  Hying  every  school  day,  weather  peruiittiug. 
Attendance  4 

Average  not  less  than  02  per  cent  for  y.-ar  and  not   to  exceed  2  per  cent  for 
tardiness  for  year. 
Trustees 

School  visited  o«ce  a  term  by  each  trustee. 
Teacher's  salary 

Not  less  than  $800. 
Length  of   term 

Not  less  than  eight  mouths. 


24 


Schoolhouse.  [25] 

Properly  lighted  with  light  from  left  side  or  from  left  aud  rear 5 

Painted  inside  aud  out 5 

Interior  walls  light  with  dull  finish 3 

Stove    3 

Jacketed. 
Cloakrooms 3 

At  least  one  hook  for  each  child. 

Shelf  for  lunch  boxes. 
Musical  instrument 4 

Organ,  phonograph  or  piano. 
Pictures  2 

At  least  two,  framed. 

Supplies.  [15] 

Books 4 

Sufficient  texts,  supplementary  books  and  others  for  pleasure  reading. 
Blackboard    2 

In  good  condition. 

Low  enough  for  comfortable  use  by  little  children. 
Miscellaneous    4 

Maps  aud  Globe. 

Ink. 

Chalk. 

Erasers. 

Thermometer. 

Waste  basket. 
Janitor's  supplies 2 

Brush  in  good  condition. 

Suitable  cloths  for  dusting. 
Facilities   for   washing 3 

Wash  basin. 

Mirror. 

Soap. 

Individual  towels. 

Fuel — Storage.  [  5  ] 

Sufficient  protection  for  keeping  wootl  dry 3 

Neat  woodbox  near  stove . 2 

Grounds.  [20] 

Size 4 

Not  less  than  one  acre. 
Location 5 

Good  water  supply. 

Remote  from  unhoalthful  swamps  or  ponds. 

Drainage  good. 
Trees,  plants,  walks fi 

Trees  and  plants  well  cared  for. 

Walks  if  necessary. 
Playground    3 

Cleared  and  sufficient  for  three  groups  of  children. 
Apparatus  3 

At  least  three  features. 


25 


Toilets.  [5] 

Separate    2 

Screened 3 

Sanitation.  [15] 

The  entire  school  plant  must  be  scrupulously  clean,  free  from  marks  and  cleared 
of  all  rubbish 1.5 


"Lord,  give  the  mothers  of  the  world 

More  love  to  do  their  part ; 

The  love  that  reaches  not  alone 

The  children  made  by  birth  their  own, 

But  every  childish  heart. 

Wake  in  their  souls  true  motherhood 

That  aims  at  universal  good." 

— Anonymous. 

(Copied  from  the   Yoar-Book  of  the  California  Congress  of  Mothers'   and  Parent- 
Teacher  Associations.) 


SUGGESTIONS  FOR  SCHOOL  AND  COMMUNITY 
ENTERTAINMENTS 

"Only  upon  the  basis  of  personal  understanding  and  mutual  confi- 
dence is  efficient  and  coherent  social  action  possible.  This  is  the  foun- 
dation of  democracy.  Communities  nnist  have,  therefore,  material  and 
social  machinery  by  which  various  classes  shall  come  to  know  each 
other;  some  instrument  that  shall  cross-section  racial,  financial  and 
social  strata;  something  that  shall  go  beneath  these  and  touch  funda- 
mental interests.  Of  the.se  the  central  one  is  the  love  of  children,  and 
the  machinery  most  natural  as  well  as  most  available  is  the  public 
school  system. ' ' — Gulick. 

Good,  wholesome  recreation  is  as  essential  to  a  healthy  body  and 
mind  as  fresh  air  and  water.  Perhaps  in  no  other  place  is  there  such 
need  for  entertainment  as  in  the  sparsely  settled  eountr3^  Certainly 
it  is  not  outside  the  province  of  a  parent4eacher  association  to  direct 
the  wholesome  recreation  of  its  community. 

The  details  in  some  of  the  following  descriptions  no  doubt  savor  of 
frivolity,  but  they  are  submitted  as  examples  of  hearty,  good  times 
which  have  served  as  occasions  for  a  release  of  laughter,  good  feeling 
and  wholesome  social  intercourse. 

The  detailed  description  of  the  Halloween  party  is  full  of  suggestions 
which  may  be  adapted  to  other  occasions. 

HALLOWEEN 

Halloween,  the  festival  of  ghosts  and  witches,  should  be  a  s(^ason  of 
fun  nnd  joyous  reveling  for  the  children. 


—  2()  — 

The  teacher  can  interpret  tlu-  spirit  of  tlic  oci-asion  at  school,  using 
the  early  traditions  and  superstitions  as  a  basis  for  composition  work 
and  the  various  symbols,  cats,  witches,  bats,  ghasts,  jack-o '-lanterns, 
etc.,  for  drawing  and  handwork.  In  preparation  for  an  evening  enter- 
tainment, pupils  may  remain  after  school  to  design  and  make  paper 
witches,  hats,  masks  and  cut-outs  of  bats,  c^ts  and  witches  with  which 
to  decorate  the  schoolroom.  The  teacher  might  suggest  that  the  chil- 
dren, with  each  other's  assistance,  nuike  their  own  costumes,  and  work 
out  their  own  ideas.  A  long  white  apron  with  a  border  design  of 
black  paper  cats,  for  example,  makes  a  very  effective  costume.  Sheets 
and  pillowcases  are  always  appropriate.  A  witch's  costume  which  con- 
si.sts  principally  of  a  long  black  shawl  and  liigh  hat  can  he  easily  made 
by  the  children. 

The  pupils  may  be  asked  to  bring  pumpkins,  cornstalks,  sunflower 
stalks,  ears  of  corn,  autumn  branches  and  leaves,  streamers  of  yellow 
crepe  paper,  red  apples  for  stringing,  or  whatever  appropriate  decora- 
tions the  community  affords. 

The  older  pupils  might  make  two  large  black  cats,  a  foot  or  two 
high,  in  the  traditional  liumped-up  bhick-cat  posture,  to  be  put  above 
the  blackboard  as  though  on  a  fence,  one  on  each  side  of  the  room.  The 
paper  cut-outs  may  l)e  used  in  profusion  and  the  schoolroom  trans- 
formed into  a  rendezvous  of  witches,  bats,  l)lack  cats  and  jack-o'- 
lanterns. 

In  schools  where  the  light  is  furnished  by  lamps  and  lanterns  the 
lights  should  be  covered  by  j^ellow  tissue  paper.  Triangular  shelves 
may  be  put  in  the  corners,  resting  on  the  upper  moulding  of  the  black- 
boards, upon  which  pumpkin  jack-o'-lanterns  nuiy  be  placed. 

Jack-o'-lanterns  should  l)e  placed  on  the  gateposts  and  also  in  the 
windows  of  the  schoolroom  so  as  to  be  seen  from  the  outside. 

The  hour  appointed  for  the  evening's  entertainment  might  be 
announced  by  the  solemn  tolling  of  the  school  bell.  As  the  guests 
arrive  they  are  met  at  the  door  by  a  tall  ghost  who  silently  directs 
them  inside  by  pointing  a -long  white  finger  (elongated  by  a  white 
paper  cone) .  Concealed  in  the  cloakrooms  or  behind  the  piano  are 
three  ghosts  who  set  up  a  mournful  wail  as  new  guests  arrive. 

The  children  will  cntfr  heartily  into  the  spirit  of  the  evening  if  they 
have  been  ])repm-e(l  beforehand.  Care  sliould  I)c  taken  that  they  are 
not  frightened  or  subjeeted  to  any  serious  nervous  strain. 

Those  in  charg«;  of  the  enterl;iiunie!it  should,  as  far  as  possible,  give 
all  instructions  and  directions  for  ganu.'s  by  slow  gestures.  When 
directions  must  l)e  spoken  they  should  be  given  in  a  low  monotone. 

When  a  number  of  guests  have  arrived  a  slow  march  may  be  played 
i'.nd  everv  one  directed  to  foi-ui  in  ;i  circle  and  march  arotind  the  room. 


—  27  — 

After  a  few  monieiits  of  solemn  marcliiug,  if  the  floor  space  is  clear,  all 
may  be  requested  to  sit  down  on  the  floor  in  a  circle  for  games.  Appro- 
priate Halloween  games  wall  then  be  in  order.  Besides  ducking  for 
apples  and  eating  apples  from  a  suspended  string,  the  guests  might  be 
required  to  sort  beans  from  a  hill  of  beans  on  the  floor  in  the  center  of 
the  circle,  the  boys  to  select  brown  beans,  the  girls  white  beans,  and 
keep  an  accurate  count.  At  the  end  of  five  minutes,  time  is  called  and 
a  prize  is  given  to  the  one  who  has  counted  the  greatest  number  cor- 
rectly. The  presence  of  a  bean  of  the  opposite  color  among  those 
selected  by  any  contestant  iniiuediatcly  disqualifies  from  further  con- 
testing. 

Ducking  for  round  pieces  of  candy  in  a  pan  of  flour,  with  the  hands 
behind  the  back,  also  affords  great  amusement. 

A  "cock  fight"  between  two  boys  is  the  source  of  great  fun.  With 
hands  tied  behind,  the  two  boys  kneel  on  tlie  floor  in  the  center  of  a 
.small  chalked  circle  and  by  pushing  with  their  shouldei's  attempt  to 
])ut  each  other  over  the  line. 

Drawing  pigs  gives  no  end  of  merriment.  Guests  are  provided  with 
pencil  and  paper,  blindfolded  and  requested  to  draw  a  pig,  not  for- 
getting the  eye  and  tail.  The  results,  with  the  names  of  the  artists, 
are  pinned  on  the  wall  and  a  prize  awarded. 

AN  EVENING  OF  SONGS  WE  LIKE  TO  SING 

We  Americans  need  to  sing.  We  need  to  keep  alive  our  old  folk 
songs.  We  need  to  know  our  national  songs  and  be  able  to  sing  them 
together.  The  entire  community,  old  and  young,  should  come  together 
at  regular  intervals  to  enjoy  a  rousing  festival  of  song. 

The  C.  C.  Birchard  ('omi)aiiy,  Boston,  i)iil)lisli('s  a  little  paper- 
covered  song  book,  "I  Hear  America  Singing.''  ]t  contains  fifty-five 
of  the  best  songs  and  choruses  for  cominnnity  singing.  The  price  is 
10  cents. 

CLEAN-UP  DAY 

There  is  scarcely  a  country  schoolyard  which  does  not  need  either 
clearing,  cleaning,  leveling,  fencing  or  planting.  In  most  cases,  the 
work  would  be  very  expensive  if  labor  were  hired  and  certainly  an 
excellent  opportunity  for  stimulating  community  spirit  would  be  lost. 

The  officers  of  the  club  should  consult  with  members  of  the  school 
board  concerning  the  work  to  be  done  and  decide  what  can  be  under- 
taken. Then  a  general  clean-up  day  should  be  decreed  and  all  members 
of  the  community  invited  to  take  part.  The  nu'U  will  gladly  contribute 
teams  and  a  day's  worlv.  Ihc  women  can  ])icparo  luncli  and  a  bonfire 
snppci",  wliilc  the  cbildrcii  can  lind  snificicnt  opportunity  for  w  oi'lc  in 
a.ssisling  wlicrcvcr  little  liaiids  arc  needed. 


—  28  — 

A  great  bonfire  miglit  be  made  the  closiiig  I'veiit  of  the  day,  when 
sausages  and  bai'on  are  roasted  around  the  fire  ami  a  picnic  dinner 
served  out  of  doors. 

A  elean-up  day  should  he  an  annual  event  in  every  district  school, 
until  the  school  plant  is  so  highly  improved  that  nothing  remains  to 
be  done. 

THANKSGIVING 

Thanksgiving  oit'ers  an  e.xeellent  opportunity  t'oi-  an  entertainment 
by  the  children.  There  is  abundant  material  in  books  and  magazines 
for  little  plays,  dialogues  and  recitations. 

•  Scenes  from  "The  Courtship  of  Miles  Standish"  or  from  "Hiawatha" 
can  be  well  presented  by  older  pupils.  An  Indian  dance  by  little  boys 
in  Indian  costume  is  very  ai)propriate  and  effective. 

DEBATES 

There  is  no  reason  why  debating  should  be  confined  to  high  .schools 
and  colleges.  In  every  community  there  are  wideawake,  thinking  people 
who,  if  only  convinced  of  theij-  ability,  eould  become  able  debaters.  It 
is  not  necftssiuy  that  all  the  (lel)aters  l)e  silver-tongued  orators.  The 
educational  stimulus,  as  well  as  the  entertainment  afforded,  is  well 
worth  a  serious  effort  to  arouse  the  interest  necessary  to  organize 
debating  teams.  It  is  often  possible  to  hold  debates  between  adjoining 
districts  and  in  this  way  to  arouse  a  wholesome  competitive  spirit 
between  districts. 

XoTE. — Tlie  Extonsiun  Division  of  the  VTiiiver.sity  of  California  issues  free  bulletins 
on  tlie  .snbjert  of  debating.  'I'liey  s'ive  in.stniftions  for  preparing  material,  lists  of 
que.stions  for  debate  and  instructions  for  judging  debates. 

CHRISTMAS 

Christmas  time  should  l>e  the  children \s  time.  It  should  bring  joy 
and  gladness  into  the  heart  of  every  child — the  happiness  that  comes 
from  giving  gifts  to  others.  Parents,  in  their  unselfish  love,  too  often 
deprive  the  children  of  the  deeper  joys  of  Christmas  by  making  thein 
receivers  only. 

The  children  should  be  encouraged  and  assisted  in  making  gifts  and 
in  planning  surprises  for  mother  and  father.  During  the  months  of 
November  and  December  the  mothers  might  invite  the  girls  to  bring 
their  .sewin<r  and  meet  with  tlicin  on  certain  afternoons,  when  patterns 
might  be  ('xehanged.  the  girls  given  lessons  in  knitting  and  crocheting 
and  the  al'ternoon  made;  sociabh;  and  enjoyable  to  all.  Every  child 
.should  have  the  piivilcgc  of  iriaUim:'  and  giving  Christmas  gifts  to  those 
lie  loves.  The  homeless  little  I'l-iends  acro.s.s  the  seas  should  be  remem- 
l»ered  in  the  Christmas  of1'ei-in<rs  of  our  children. 


—  29  — 

The  Christmas  numbers  of  children's  magazines  contain  many 
interesting  things  for  boys  to  make. 

The  teacher  (?an  not  be  expected  to  do  more  than  offer  suggestions  and 
advice,  but  the  parents  should  help  her  make  Christmas  all  that  it 
should  be  to  the  boys  and  girls. 

The  season  would  not  be  complete  without  a  program  at  school  which 
recalls  the  songs,  the  old  folklore  and  the  deeper  meanings  of  Christmas- 
tide.  The  teacher  will  find  .sufficient  material  for  recitations,  songs 
and  dialogues  in  the  many  books  and  magazines  at  her  disposal. 

After  the  program,  of  course,  there  should  be  a  Santa  Claus.  It  is 
a  good  plan  to  have  an  older  boy  play  Santa  Claus  and  to  unmask  after 
he  has  distributed  his  bags  of  candy,  allowing  the  children  to  enjoy 
the  fun  of  having  been  cajoled.  As  the  school  program  is  usually 
given  several  days  before  Christmas,  this  make-believe  Santa  Claus  in 
no  way  usurps  the  lionors  of  the  Santa  Claus  who  comes  on  Christmas 
eve. 

The  bags  of  candy  and  nuts  may  be  provided  by  funds  of  the  asso- 
ciation. Colored  netting  cut  in  the  shape  of  bags  or  stockings  and 
sewed  with  colored  yarn  makas  satisfactory  bags. 

If  the  entertainment  is  made  a  community  affair  and  the  little 
brothers  and  sistere  at  home  are  invited,  everyone  will  be  glad  to  assist 
in  making  a  merry  Christmas  for  the  children. 

A  MOCK  COUNTY  FAIR 

(For  raising  funds  and  fun.) 

The  plan  for  this  entertainment  is  to  conduct  a  miniature  county 
fair  in  the  school  building  with  livestock  exhibits,  sideshows,  candy 
stands,  fortune  tellers,  better-babies  contests,  hot  sandwiches,  etc. 

With  a  few  suggestions  the  imagination  of  the  readers  will  be  left 
to  conceive  further  attractions.  Anterooms  and  cloakrooms  should  be 
reserved  for  the  sideshows,  to  wliieli  a  small  admission  fee  may  be 
charged.  The  baby  show  will  perhaps  be  the  central  feature.  A  num- 
ber of  young  men  who  are  willing  to  sacrifice  a  little  dignity  for  the 
sake  of  some  genuine  fun  are  dressed  as  babies  and  arrayed  on  high 
chairs  for  exhibition.  Black  court-plaster  over  all  the  front  teeth  but 
one,  and  a  little  soaping  and  plastering  of  the  hair  will  soon  transform 
a  handsome  young  man  into  a  charming  Baby  Snookums  and  when 
dressed  in  rompers  or  a  long  white  gown  the  effect  is  irresistible.  Some 
of  the  babies  may  wear  bonnets.  They  may  carry  teddy  bears,  rattles 
or  sticlffi  of  candy.  There  is  no  end  to  the  fun  of  a  baby  show.  Of 
course  a  prize  should  be  given  to  the  handsomest  "baby." 

Booths  in  the  cornci-s  of  tlic  schoolroom  wh(>re  homemade  candy, 
api'oiis,  "hot  dogs"  and  Viii'ious  souvenirs  are  sold  m;i\"  !)('  made  of 
boxes  decorated  with  Ixinliiig  and  i)einiaiits. 


—  80  — 

A  ^ypsy-like  tent  may  be  made  of  sacks  and  curtains.  The  fortune 
teller,  appropriately  dressed,  may  "read  palms"  or  draw  ready-made 
"fortunes"  from  a  mysterious  kettle. 

A  side  show  might  be  exhibited  featuring  "The  Famous  Murphy 
Twins"  (two  Irish  potatoes). 

Those  who  attend  should  remember  they  are  coming  to  a  "County 
Fair"  and  dress  accordingly. 

The  plans  for  this  entertainment  should  be  worked  out  very  carefully 
and  an  executive  committee  should  be  appointed  to  remain  in  charge 
durino-  the  evening. 

A  HARD  TIMES  PARTY 

Almost  everyone  is  familiar  with  the  traditional  "Hard  Times 
l^arty. "  The  guests  Avear  tattered  costumes,  patched  and  mended,  and 
fines  are  imposed  on  any  who  give  evidence  of  excessive  prosperity. 

Old-fashioned  games  may  be  played,  such  as  "Who  has  the  Thimble?" 
"Simon  Says  Thumbs  Up,"  "Fruit  Basket  Upset,"  etc. 

If  a  lunch  is  served,  it  should  be  eaten  from  paper  plates,  with 
pasteboard  spoons  and  newspaper  napkins,  to  carry  out  the  "hard 
times"  idea. 

JUVENILE  PARTY 

This  should  be  for  adults  only.  The  guests  are  dressed  as  children 
and  spend  the  evening  playing  children's  games. 

CHARADES 

At  a  young  people's  gathering  an  entire  evening  might  be  devoted 
to  the  i)laying  of  charades.  The  guests  are  divided  into  two  groups 
of  actors,  each  with  a  leader.  The  leaders  should  have  previously  pre- 
j)ared  a  list  of  words  suitable  for  charades.  The  sides  take  turns 
illustrating  certain  words  which  are  to  be  guessed  by  the  opponents. 
Some  words  may  require  one  actor,  others  several.  The  leaders  will 
select  those  who  are  to  take  part,  and  dirooj^^  performance.  The 
number  of  syllables  in  the  word  to  be  Wln^jj^^a  should  be  announced 
to  the  opponents  before  each  "act." 

For  example,  an  egg  sprinkled  with  sand  might  be  carried  in  on  a 
tray  followed  by  a  number  of  people  exclaiming  "Oh!"  If  the 
onlookers  are  r-ntirely  unal)le  to  make  a  guess,  someone  might  make  a 
remark  about  the  "sandy  egg,"  which  would  probably  soon  call  for 
the  answer,  "San  Diego." 

MUSICALES 

II  is  no  loM'jfr  lim-  tliat  only  fhi'  I'ortiiiiatr  ft-w  jiia\  licar  and  study 
the  l»e.st  in  music     The  educational  departments  of  the  various  phono- 


—  31  — 

graph  companies  have  compiied  lists  of  records  for  study  aud  special 
occasions  and  have  published  self-instruction  books  by  means  of  wliich 
it  is  possible  for  the  most  remote  country  connnunity  to  receive  all  the 
pleasure  and  education  which  heretofore  has  depended  on  proximity 
to  great  centers  of  culture.  The  various  operas  may  be  studied,  one 
an  evening,  the  leader  of  the  entertainment  outlining  the  story  and 
accompanying  it  at  the  proper  points  by  selections  on  the  phonograpli. 

The  book,  "Wliat  We  Hear  in  Music,"  by  Faulkner,  published  by 
the  Victor  Company,  Camden,  New  Jersey,  price  $1.00,  interprets  many 
of  the  finest  Victor  records  and  affords  an  excellent  guide  in  carrying 
out  a  program  as  suggested  above. 

"The  Pipes  of  Pan,"  a  booklet  published  by  the  same  company,  price 
35  cents,  contains  a  number  of  charming  children's  stories  to  be  accom- 
panied by  records. 

Certain  county  libraries  are  now  circulating  phonograph  records  for 
use  in  schools. 

No  community  should  neglect  to  avail  itself  of  the  privileges  afforded 
by  the  right  use  of  the  phonograph  music. 

ARBOR  DAY 

Arl)or  Day  in  California  is  observed  on  Luther  Burbank's  birthday, 
March  7,  which  is  now  known  as  "Conservation,  Bird  and  Arbor  Day." 
It  differs  from  other  holidays  in  that  it  requires  observance,  not  only 
in  song  and  appropriate  ritual,  but  also  in  the  accomplishing  of  a  definite 
piece  of  work. 

All  educational  institutions  of  the  state  are  directed  to  observe  this 
day.  The  State  Department  of  Education  from  time  to  time  issues 
Arbor  Day  bulletins  which  may  be  obtained  free  upon   application. 

MAY  DAY  PICNIC 

Instead  of  confining  the  school  picnic  to  the  immediate  community, 
it  may  be  made  an  occasion  for  bringing  together  the  children  and 
parents  of  two  or  three  adjoining  districts.  Such  a  joint  picnic  affords 
an  opportunity  for  developing  wholesome  competitive  contests  between 
different  schools,  an  occasion  for  experience  on  the  part  of  the 
children  to  act  as  hosts,  hostesses,  and  guests,  besides  offering  the  many 
advantages  of  wider  social  intercourse. 

Relay  races,  short  hurdle  races,  broad  jimiping,  running  jumping, 
baseball  games,  basket  ball  games,  etc.,  may  serve  for  the  competitive 
contests.  Discretion  must  be  exercised,  however,  in  these  contests  that 
the  children  in  their  excitement  and  eagerness  to  compete  do  not  over- 
exert or  attein[>t  feats  beyond  the  power  of  their  undeveloped  JKxIies. 


—  ;^2  — 

A  i)ro«rr;uu  of  sougs,  .1  .Ma\  pule  (huu'c  iiiid  oilier  ;ii)i)ro|)i-iate 
out-ot'-tloor  t'xcrcisos  niiglit  be  arrauged  in  wliicli  all  the  eliildi-cn  could 
participate. 

There  is  such  a  wealth  of  material  on  festivals  of  this  kind  that  it 
seems  unneeessary  to  give  closer  details  here. 

LAST  DAY  OF  SCHOOL 

\Vh\-  should  there  not  be  appropriate  graduating  exercises  in  the 
smaller  schools?  There,  if  anywhere,  do  eighth  grade  graduates  merit 
the  honor  of  special  attention  and  commendation.  There,  too,  they 
need  inspiration  and  encouragement  to  go  on  to  high  school.  If  more 
attention  were  given  to  the  cer.emony  of  graduation  in  the  smaller 
schools,  it  would  serve  as  a  stimulus  to  the  younger  eliildren  aiul  would, 
no  doubt,  be  an  influence  in  holding  them  in  school  until  they  should 
finish. 

The  exercises  should,  of  course,  be  of  a  simple  nature,  but  every 
endeavor  made  to  have  them  inspirational  and  helpful  to  the  children. 

The  graduates  should  be  properlj^  seated  in  a  place  of  honor,  and  the 
occasion  graced  with  becoming  flowers  and  decorations.  A  speaker 
who  knows  how  to  talk  to  children  might  give  a  short  address,  but  the 
graduates  themselves  should  furnish  the  main  part  of  the  program, 
either  by  reading  original  essays  or  compositions,  presenting  a  little 
dramatic  production,  or  participating  in  whatever  way  they  may  be 
especially  able. 

At  the  close  of  the  program  the  clerk  of  the  school  board  should 
present  the  certificates  of  graduation. 

The  other  pupils  of  the  school  should  attend  to  the  details  of  decora- 
tion and  all  arrangements  for  the  entertainment,  and  enjoy  the  pleasure 
of  extending  every  possible  courtesy  to  the  graduates  and  guests. 

Where  possible  it  is  highly  desirable  that  two  or  more  districts  hold 
their  graduating  exercises  together  in  one  of  the  school  buildings,  the 
districts  taking  turns  in  entertaining.  These  exercises  afford  an  occa- 
sion for  a  widening  of  acxiuaintanccs  and  a  furthering  of  connnunity 
interests.  Whatever  tends  to  extend  couniuinity  boundaries  enriches 
community  life.  All  future  development  looks  to  the  wider  horizon,  the 
merging  of  smaller  units  into  wider  fields  of  co-operation  and  social 
contact. 


88 


ITEMS    THAT    CONTRIBUTE    TO    THE    SUCCESS    OF    A    PARENT- 
TEACHER  ASSOCIATION 

(Reprinted  from  the  Year-Book,  1917,  of  the  National  Congress  «t  Mothers  and 
Parent-Teacher  Associations — with  slight  modifications.) 

1.  A  spirit  of  kindness,  tolerance  and  mntnal  helpfulness  between 
parents  and  teachers. 

2.  Punctuality  in  opening  and  closing  the  meetings. 

3.  Programs  that  give  practical,  helpful  suggestions  to  both  parents 
and  teachers. 

4.  A  social  spirit  which  eliminates  considerations  of  class,  religion 
and  nationality  and  brings  all  together  upon  a  common  plane  of  interest 
in  the  welfare  of  children. 

5.  Moderate  dues  paid  as  a  privilege  rather  than  by  compulsion. 

6.  Meetings  held  in  the  schoolhouse;  the  worse  it  is.  the  more  need 
for  the  community  to  know  about  it. 

7.  Addresses  or  papers  that  are  brief  and  to  the  point,  followed 
always  by  questions  and  discussion  from  the  floor. 

8.  Thorough  command  of  a  few  simple  parliamentary  rules. 

9.  Concise  and  crisp  management  of  the  business  transacted.  An 
occasional  whole  session  given  to  business  rather  than  allowing  it  to 
crowd  the  programs. 

10.  A  wide  distribution  of  responsibilities  through  committees. 
Committees  wisely  appointed,  carefully  instructed  and  lield  responsible 
for  the  work  entrusted  to  them. 

11.  Constant  personal  effort  of  interested  members  to  secure  the 
interest  and  attendance  of  others. 

12.  Recognition  of  the  fact  that  the  association  belongs  etjually  to 
pai-ents  and  teachers  and  that  the  interest  and  attendance  of  the  latter 
are  essential ;  also  that  the  burden  of  the  work  should  not  be  placed 
upon  the  teachers. 

18.  Elimination  of  all  politics. 


A  Parent-Teacher  Association  is  justified,  especially  in  its  early 
years,  in  raising  a  certain  amount  of  money  and  rendering  a  certain 
amount  of  material  assistance  to  the  school.  It  is  not  designed,  how- 
ever, to  do  the  work  of  a  Board  of  Trustees,  whose  province  it  is  to  secure 
and  administer  the  school  funds  and  decide  upon  the  school  improve- 
m.ents.  A  Parent-Teacher  Association  working  through  the  Board  of 
Trustees,  causing  the  members  to  see  more  clearly  the  situation  and  the 
needs,  is  doing  a  much  liigher  work  than  one  woi-king  for  the  board  in 
securing  improvements  which  the  board  should  but  will  not  make. 

o 

4::  02  7    1-1  It    r.M. 


